a piacere indicates which performance instruction?

• A. At pleasure (i.e., the performer may not follow the rhythm strictly)
• B. In strict tempo
• C. In normal swing
• D. With no rubato

Answer: (A)

a piacere means you play at pleasure, with the tempo and timing chosen freely by the performer. This marks expressive freedom to stretch or compress time and shape phrases as you see fit, rather than marching in strict tempo. It invites rubato and expressive timing, not a rigid metronomic pace. It isn’t a directive to play in strict tempo, nor a jazz-swing indication, and it does not require avoiding rubato. Use this when the music benefits from flexible timing and musical expressiveness.